If you are here looking for pictures of our cute grand kids, there are only two photos of them in this post. But take heart–the next one will have plenty!
Tuesday night, we paid for a babysitter so that Nathan and Meagan could have a night out to eat a nice meal without having to worry about sticky fingers, overturned milk cups, and saggy diapers.
We went to GrillSmith, a favorite restaurant of theirs–not to mention, it was a perfectly named establishment for a bunch of Smiths.The restaurant just happened to be across from the Cobb theater, which is where I took a photo of Nathan when he was eighteen and we were eating at the same restaurant.
I couldn’t resist taking a follow-up photo, showing my much loved son almost nine years later years later–a college graduate, a married man, and the dad of two kids. As I was getting ready to take the picture he informed that although a lot of things in his life had changed, he was still wearing the same pair of Rainbow flip-flops.
The food at GrillSmith was outstanding and the company wasn’t half bad, either!
Sarah had a few things she needed Nathan and Meagan’s advice about; they both always listen intently to her and when they speak, they speak wisdom worth listening to.
Such a beautiful burgeoning-into-adulthood woman.
Meagan and her sisters have a tradition of taking bathroom selfies when they go out for an evening so the three of us girls had to follow suit.
This picture could be titled, “The GirlSmiths at GrillSmith.”
Then Steve wanted to snap a picture outside, too.
The younger GirlSmiths got a little goofy.
These two LovebirdSmiths just celebrated five years of marriage. I admire them so much for the way they love each other, pray for (and with) each other, are honest with each other, laugh with each other, disagree (respectfully) with each other, and raise those grand kids of ours with firmness, love, and joy.
Of course, I like these two people just a little bit, too.
And this guy? Well, after thirty-four years of marriage, he’s still my favorite person on the planet!
And now for a couple of grand kid pictures.
First, little Madison
I told Meagan that I couldn’t wait till Madison starts talking because with the big personality she has, she is going to say some screamingly funny things!
And this kid? He is Mr. Personality Plus.
It’s been so funny because it’s the first time we have ever been with the kids that Noah has been consistently calling me “Grandma.” We were driving around town yesterday and he would say from the backseat, “Grandma!” and I wouldn’t even turn around. He’d say it a couple more times and then finally Sarah or Meagan would say, “Mom! Noah is talking to you!”
I’d reply, “Oh, that’s right. Grandma is ME!”
This GrandmaSmith is so very blessed with GrandSmiths, a HusbandSmith, a SonSmith, and GirlSmiths.
As we leave for home today, we will take so many happy Smith memories with us
The loving relationships in your family always inspire me and encourage me. From how Nathan and Meagan give Sarah advice to how you describe both your and Steve’s and Nathan and Meagan’s relationships, to how you speak such encouragement over your family is beautiful to witness.
Jenna–thank you for your kind words.
We are far from perfect but we do try to be intentional about working on our relationships and making them a priority. Sometimes we succeed and sometimes we don’t . . . but we are thankful to be in the journey together.
Sounds like you are having a good time. Tampa had Grillsmiths also so I’m very familiar with them. I used to meet a friend there for lunch from time to time.
Phyllis,
Isn’t it such great food? I hadn’t realized they had more than one location.
Awwww that vacation was too short. Hopefully they will come for Christmas again? I still see a bit of Sarah in Madison. Glad you all had a great time. Loved the yellow shoes!
Lesley,
Unfortunately, they can’t come for Christmas this year. Nathan is starting a new job tomorrow and won’t be able to have any time off. Don’t know when we will be able to see them again.
I already posted on Facebook, but it’s wonderful that the adults were able to get together and enjoy the evening (and even holding hands you two – how precious is that after 34 years of marriage). In one picture of Nathan and Sara, from the sideview he really looks a lot like his dad. Great pictures. It’s also nice that after so many years you can go back to a restaurant that still has great food to enjoy.
Sharyn,
It was a fun night and I know Nathan and Meagan especially enjoyed having a chance to relax and enjoy themselves. And yep, we’re still holding hands after all these years!
How on earth did your grandchildren become so big? 😀 Woah Noah is so cute 😀 And Sarah is lovely. 🙂 All the Smiths are lovely 😀
Becky I have been following you people for 10 years now 😀
Trine
Trine,
Thanks for being a long-term follower! There have been a lot of changes in those 10 years, haven’t there–in our lives, and also in YOURS!
Love all the Smithiness brought to the blog world today by my favorite wordsmith!
Jan,
Wordsmithing is what I do! Thanks for enjoying it. 🙂
What an awesome family you have! Those GirlSmiths are just beautiful and the GrandSmiths are beyond adorable! Have a safe trip back home. Looking forward to LOTS of GrandSmith pictures!!
Happy Friday!!!
LeeAnne,
Thanks for the safe travel wishes; we got home about 5 p.m. last night. I’m looking forward to sharing a lot more pictures this week; thanks for your lovely words!
So enjoyed the pictures and writing. Safe travels as you return. Waiting for more pictures. Everyone looks “loverly” even the guys.
Ann,
Yes, guys can look loverly too, can’t they? 🙂
that was a fast week. safe travels back. great pics
Becky,
Vacation weeks just have a way of whizzing by, don’t they? 🙂
What a fun and good looking family! God bestowed many many blessings on the Smiths.
Judy,
It was a fun week and we were so blessed to be get to be with family. I must admit though, that it was wonderful sleeping in my own bed last night!